John Peter Martin

Peter, the son of John and Sybil Martin, was born in Portland on December 1, 1954. It was at Cheverus High where he met his long-time friends of today, who continue to provide us with tales of pranks and mischief from their youth.

After attending Husson College, Peter joined the family business and, from there continued to build an extensive career owning, operating and managing large multifaceted restaurant and entertainment facilities. He had an unwavering commitment to the people he served, empathy and understanding for those who worked for him and an uncanny ability to bring both groups together. In a world where most of us, more often than not, retreat to our hardened positions, he always saw all sides of an issue.

His untimely departure reminds us how precious life is and how important it is to live in the moment and appreciate every second of our existence. Peter’s physical presence may be gone, but his spirit and his memory will live on forever in our hearts and thoughts. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and ability to always make us laugh, and for finding the humor in the stories he told or heard. He will be remembered for his fairness, pragmatism, consensus-building skills and his mischievous smile.

He will be remembered as a remarkable human being and a beautiful soul.

Peter is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Melinda, his beautiful children Emily and Molly and their partners Chris and Chad; his sisters Andrea, Katy and Marcia and her husband, Manuel; his sister-in-law Sally and her husband, John; his brother-in-law Clark, along with his nieces and nephews; and last, but not least, Delaney, his sweet furry companion, who brought him much happiness and left a smile on his face.

A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice, Hospice of Southern Maine.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for the Martin family.